Europe’s biggest poker events over the coming months

Online poker has boomed in popularity over the past year. During the most difficult months of 2020, it proved something of a lifeline, providing a way to expend that competitive energy when almost all other sport and leisure pursuits were off the menu.

As well as being one of the few pro sports that was able to continue, at least to a certain extent, throughout 2020, poker also gained a whole army of new players, people who had always promised they would get to grips with the game “one day” and found that day had suddenly arrived.

But however much fun it might be to sit and play Betsafe poker on your phone or laptop, there’s nothing quite like the spectacle of seeing the world’s top poker pros duking it out across the table from one another. Yes, the poker tours are back, and there are some big-money encounters to look forward to in the months ahead.

WPT Deepstacks finale

The World Poker Tour is rapidly garnering as strong a reputation as the WSOP for attracting the very best players. The annual Deepstacks tournament has been a big part of that, and while most events this season have taken place online, there is optimism that the championship will reach its crescendo at the customary venue of the Casino Barriere in Deauville, France.

The casino, which celebrated its centenary in 2012, is simply one of the most stunning in the world, and is the perfect setting for the highest of rollers. WPT Deepstacks is provisionally scheduled for the last week in April, pending official confirmation from the venue.

The Festival

Tallinn’s celebration of all things gambling-related is scheduled for 07-13 June and the highlight will undoubtedly be the €550 buy-in Main Event. Known simply as The Festival, the event combines poker with other casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as introducing the relatively new concept of competitive sports betting. It’s worth noting that this year, it will coincide with the opening matches of Euro 2020, so expect a major football focus, too. It all takes place at Tallinn’s Olympic Park Casino.

WPT Deepstacks – the new season

In late July, it will be time to kick off the 2021/22 Deepstacks tournament. Again, the event is still just provisional at the moment, but there is a sense of optimism that it will take place as planned at the famous Sochi Casino and Resort. Here’s another iconic venue for high flyers, and it has already been among the first to host live tournament play, with a Deepstacks event in February.

Coolbet Open

Finally, the spotlight will be back on Tallinn in November, and satellite events are already underway online at which contenders can win themselves an entry package that includes the necessary €550 buy-in to be part of the main event, as well as hotel accommodation and other perks. This year’s Coolbet Open is provisionally scheduled for 10-13 November, subject to final confirmation closer to the date.